Lighter Holding and Securing Device

ABSTRACT

A retractable lighter holding and securing device for use with a smoking device which allows a user to retract and more easily secure a lighter to a water pipe. The silicone housing allows easier attachment and removal of the retractable lighter holding and securing device to the smoking device. The device eliminates the need for carrying a lighter and storing one near the smoking device. The retracting capabilities of the device allow for easier operation while using the lighter, and it also eliminates the need to take out and store the lighter each time the lighter is used.

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/108,538, filed Jan. 28, 2015, entitled “LIGHTER HOLDER AND SECURING DEVICE FOR SMOKING DEVICE” which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates generally to accessories for use with smoking devices and more particularly to lighter holders.

BACKGROUND

Different types of lighter holding and securing devices are known in the art. Lighter holding and securing devices are used by people and attached to other clothing and other items around the house and in cars. Not only do lighter holding and securing device eliminate clutter and keep track of the lighter, they can also provide a better grip for the lighter and offer increased safety.

Smoking devices such as water pipes have been used since ancient time. An example of a primitive water pipe is a hookah, the use of which has recently resurged. The hookah is a large water pip that originated in India, and gained popularity in the Middle East. The hookah comprises a single-stemmed, or multi-stemmed, large pipe that utilizes water and indirect heat for smoking a substance, where smoke is cooled and filtered by passing it through water. Water pipes are usually fabricated from glass and/or metal.

Another example of a water pipe is a bong: a filtration and cooling device for smoking substances. The construction of a bong is similar to that of a hookah. The function of bong and hookahs are similar. A bong comprises an air-tight and water-tight vessel, a screened bowl, and a stem portion, sometimes referred to as a “slide.” The word bong is an adaptation of the word “baung,” denoting a cylindrical wooden tube, pipe, or container for smoking. Baungs have been traditionally used by people of Thailand for centuries. Bongs are typically fabricated by hand-blowing glass. As such bong sizing is rarely uniform.

In order to ignite the smoking material, an incendiary device, such as a match or lighter, is needed. For modern water pipes, modern fluid lighters are typically used, but are also readily misplaced. One related art accessory for holding a modern lighter comprises a piece of textile wrapped and knotted around a water pipe and the lighter. However, this accessory is cumbersome to use and requires dexterity and effort by the user. The related accessory itself is also misplaced and does not have sufficient longevity.

One such smoking material is medical marijuana. Medical marijuana is now legal in 23 states and the District of Columbia. Also, recreational marijuana is now legal in 4 states. Marijuana is often the smoking material used in various smoking devices such as hookahs and water pipes. Marijuana is used to treat a variety of aliments such as cancer, glaucoma, arthritis, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis. However, many of these diseases include reduced motor function, only increasing the need for a device that requires less dexterity.

SUMMARY

The application is related generally to a retractable lighter holding and securing device which allows a user to retract and more easily secure a lighter to a smoking device. In one example embodiment, the lighter holder 10 includes a pipe attachment 20, a retracting element 30, and a lighter housing 40. The pipe attachment includes a band 21 and base 25. The retracting element includes a housing 31. The housing 31 preferably contains a coiled spring and inner reel. In one example embodiment, a cord is wound around the inner reel and attaches to a cap 36 through an opening in the housing 32. In one example embodiment, the lighter housing 40 has an outer shell 41, at least one side wall 42, bottom 43, and attachment opening 44 . Alternatively, the lighter housing may have an outer shell 41, bottom 43, and attachment opening 44. The parts described can be made of one material or of many different materials. The parts can be made of plastic, metal, wood, rubber, or silicone.

The band 21 is preferably elastic and flexible to accommodate different size smoking devices. A silicone band 21 and base 25 allows a user to very easily and efficiently attach the lighter holder 10 to a number of different sized smoking devices.

Also, other bands and attaching or restraint combinations are described and claimed. An alternative to the preferred silicone flexible band 21 of the pipe attachment 20 is an adjustable band made of fabric, fiber or other similar material that attaches to the smoking device by using Velcro® or other fabric fastener technology. Metal or plastic fasteners, such as buttons or snaps can be used in place of a fabric fastener. Another alternative to the silicone band is an adjustable band that is made of fabric, fiber, wood, or metal with a clip or clasp for adjustments.

In various other embodiments the retracting element 30 may include a lock feature. In one example embodiment, the lock uses a button or slide to engage the lock, and the lock allows the user to prevent the spring from retracting the cord. The lock allows a user to not have to pull the lighter towards the smoking material thus extending the cord every time the user needs to ignite the material.

In various other embodiments the lighter housing 40 may include other features to increase its grip and the friction created by the housing on the lighter. The lighter housing may include a rib or ribs to increase friction or a liner to change the shape of the lighter opening to accommodate different shaped lighters.

The lighter holder 10 may also include optional features to help further secure the lighter and lighter housing 40 to the smoking device. The lighter holder 10 may include an optional second pipe housing to secure the lighter housing and prevent it from swinging, such as when the smoking device is carried or transported. The second pipe attachment is placed below the first pipe attachment 20 and is attached to the smoking device before the first pipe attachment. The hook of the second pipe housing located on its base. The user may hook either the attachment opening 44 or the cord 35 to secure the lighter housing 40 to the second pipe attachment and smoking device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1a is a side view of one embodiment of the lighter holder fully assembled, where the lighter housing does not have a sidewall and the lighter opening is oval in shape.

FIG. 1b is a side view of one embodiment of the lighter holder fully assembled, where the lighter housing has two sidewalls and the lighter opening is rectangular in shape.

FIG. 2 is a front view of one embodiment of the lighter holder fully assembled, where the lighter housing does not have a sidewall and the lighter opening is oval in shape.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the lighter holder fully assembled, where the lighter housing does not have a sidewall and the lighter opening is oval in shape.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of the lighter holder, where the lighter housing does not have a sidewall and is oval in shape.

FIG. 5 is a top view of one embodiment of the lighter holder fully assembled, where the lighter housing does not have a sidewall and is oval in shape.

FIG. 6 is a top view of the pipe attachment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1a and 1b both show example embodiments of a lighter holder 10. The lighter holders 10 comprise a pipe attachment 20, a retracting element 30, and a lighter housing 40. The parts described can be made of one material or of many different materials. The parts can be made of plastic, metal, wood, rubber, or silicone.

The pipe attachment 20 comprises a band 21 and a base 25, where the base has an opening 27 to accommodate the retracting element 30. In one example embodiment, the band 21 is made out of a flexible material so it can expand and stretch over different size smoking devices. Such suitable flexible materials as silicone or rubber may be used for the band 21. Alternatively, instead of the silicone flexible band 21 of the pipe attachment 20, an adjustable band made of fabric, fiber, or other similar material that attaches to the smoking device by using Velcro® or some other fabric fastener technology may be used. Metal or plastic fasteners, such as buttons and snaps, may also be uses in place of fabric fasteners. Additionally, the band 21 could be made of fabric, fiber, wood, or metal and have a restraint system such as a buckle, clasp, or clip to keep the band 21 attached to the smoking device. The band 21 is attached or connected to the base 25 and the base contains an opening 27 to a chamber inside the pipe attachment 20. In one example embodiment, the base 25 is also made of a flexible material so that the base opening 27 can easily accommodate the retracting element 30 within the chamber of pipe attachment 20. Alternatively, the opening 27 could be smaller than the retracting element and the pipe attachment 20 could be molded around the retracting element 30. In one example embodiment, the base opening 27 is orientated parallel to the opening formed by the band 21.

The retracting element 30 is located inside the chamber of the pipe attachment 20 and comprises a housing 31 with a spring biased retractable reel mechanism contained inside the housing. Retractable reel mechanisms are known in the art and may be made of any suitable material, such as plastics or metal. In one example embodiment, the retractable reel mechanism, not shown, comprises a coiled metal spring and an inner reel formed of non-abrasive material for durability and smooth operation, where the coiled spring is inside the inner reel. The cord 35 is coiled around the inner reel and the proximal end of the cord is attached to the inner reel. The cord 35 extends from the inner reel through an opening 32 in the housing 31, where the cord also passes through the opening 27 in the housing, and the cord's distal end is attached to a cap 36. The cap 36 has a hole 37. In one example embodiment, the cap 36 has a swivel to allow it to spin freely to prevent the cord from becoming tangled. A connector ring 38 passes through the cap hole 37 and the attachment opening 44 of the lighter housing 40.

Additionally, in another embodiment the retracting element 30 contains a lock, not shown. The lock is located on the outside of housing 31 and functions to interrupt the movement of the spring bias or coiled spring of the retracting element 30. A button, slide, switch, or similar type of trigger can be used to engage the lock and move the lock into an engaged potion that prevents the inner reel and spring from moving. In one example embodiment, the lock can be engaged through the base 25, or alternatively the lock could protrude out of the base 25.

In one example embodiment, the lighter housing 40 comprises an outer shell 41 having at least one side wall 42, an attachment opening 44, and a bottom 43, which defines an upwardly opening chamber for a lighter, not shown, the lighter opening 45. As shown in FIG. 1b , the shell 41 and the sidewalls 42 are configured to create a generally rectangular shape for the lighter opening 45 to correspond to the shape of a BIC® lighter. However, the shell 41 could have any other desired configuration, i.e., round, square, oval, triangular, etc. In one example embodiment, the lighter housing 40 as shown only covers a portion of the lighter, so it can accommodate lighters of all lengths. Alternatively, the side wall or side walls 42 can be longer and cover a greater portion or all of the lighter.

In one example embodiment, the attachment opening 44 has a triangular opening, as shown in in the figures. In other embodiments, the attachment opening 44 may take any desired configuration, such as square, circular, or rectangular.

Additionally, in another embodiment shown in FIG. 1a the lighter housing 40 comprises an outer shell 41, an attachment opening 44, and a bottom 43, which defines an upwardly opening chamber for a lighter, not shown, the lighter opening 45. As shown in FIG. 1a , the shell 41 is generally oval in shape and creates an oval lighter opening 45 to correspond to the shape of a BIC® lighter. However, the shell 41 could have any other desired configuration, i.e., round, square, rectangular, triangular, etc. In one example embodiment, the lighter housing 40 as shown only covers a portion of the lighter, so it can accommodate lighters of all lengths. Alternatively, the shell 41 can be longer and cover a greater portion or all of the lighter.

Additionally, in another embodiment the inside chamber of the shell 41, the lighter opening 45, may have a shape that differs from outside shape of the shell 41. For example, the lighter opening 45 may have a generally oval or rectangular shape to accommodate a BIC® lighter, but the outside shape of the shell 41 may be triangular to provide a better grip.

Additionally, in another embodiment the lighter shell 41 has one or more ribs, not shown, along the inside of the shell 41, inside the lighter opening 45. In one example embodiment, the rib or ribs are arranged circumferential along the inner wall of the shell 41. The rib or ribs are small, i.e. only protrude about 1/16 to ⅛ inches from the inner wall of the shell 41. The rib's height is greater than the rib's base, to make the rib flexible. The rib or ribs will make a secure frictional contact with the lighter that is sufficiently strong that the lighter will not come out of the lighter housing 40 when the lighter is used and when the lighter holder is swung around. The grip of the ribs can overcome the centrifugal forces and the lighter will not accidently fall out.

Alternatively, the rib or ribs, not shown, could take on various configurations such as one continuous rib that spirals upward along the inside of the shell 41. Alternatively, there could be a plurality of vertical ribs, or any desired orientation or combination of rib. If the embodiment uses multiple ribs, the ribs may even differ in size from one another. The ribs could increase in size from top to bottom, enabling the lighter housing 40 to grasp a tapered lighter.

Additionally, in another embodiment the lighter shell has a liner, not shown, that lines the inner surface of the shell 41 and changes the shape of the lighter opening 45. The liner is removable and allows for one outer shell 41 to accommodate a plurality of different lighter shapes by inserting a liner that changes the shape and size of the lighter opening 45.

Additionally, in another embodiment the lighter holder 10 may have an additional second pipe attachment, not shown, to more securely attach the lighter housing 40 to the smoking device, such as a water pipe. The additional second pipe attachment secures the lighter housing 40 and prevents the lighter from swinging freely and knocking into the water pipe. The second pipe attachment comprises a band or flexible collar, not shown, and a base, not shown. In one example embodiment, the base of the second pipe attachment has a hook, not shown, to grasp the cord 35 or attachment opening 44 and secure the lighter housing 40. Alternatively other methods of securing can be used in place of the hook such as Velcro®, fasteners, clips, clasps, buttons, or snaps.

FIG. 2 shows the cross section of one embodiment of the lighter holder where the lighter housing 40 does not have a sidewall 42 and the lighter opening 45 is oval in shape where FIG. 3 shows a perspective view and shows the lighter opening 45 inside of the lighter housing 40 of one embodiment where the lighter housing does not have a sidewall and the lighter opening is oval in shape. In FIGS. 2 and 3 the lighter housing 40 is in a retracted state. FIGS. 4 is an exploded view of the lighter holder 10 of one embodiment where the lighter housing 40 does not have a sidewall 42 and the lighter opening 45 is oval in shape. In FIG. 4 the retracting element housing opening 32 and cord 35 are shown in an extended configuration. FIG. 5 shows the top view of one embodiment of the lighter holder 10 where the lighter housing 40 does not have a sidewall 42 and the lighter opening 45 is oval in shape. In FIG. 5 the lighter housing 40 is shown in a retracted state. FIG. 6 shows the pipe attachment 20 and opening 27 in detail and outlines in dotted lines where the placement of the retracting element 30.

To use the example embodiment shown in FIG. 1 a user, not shown, would first attach the pipe attachment 20 to the water pipe, not shown, by sliding the water pipe through the passage formed by the flexible band 21. Alternatively, the user could wrap the band around the smoking device and secure the band by engaging the fasteners such Velcro® or snaps. The user would then insert a lighter, not shown, into the lighter opening 45 of the lighter housing 40.

Next the user would grasp the lighter housing 40 and pull the housing towards the smoking material, not shown, of the water pipe. The user would then ignite the smoking material with the lighter. The user could then either release the lighter and the retracting element 30 would pull the lighter housing 40 back to the pipe attachment base 25. Alternatively the user could direct the lighter housing 40 back to the pipe attachment base 25 manually.

Alternatively, the user could use the lock, not shown, of the retracting element 30 to keep the spring bias from activating the inner reel. Once the user engages the lock, for example by sliding a switch or depressing a button, the retracting element 30 will prevent the inner reel from moving and will keep the current amount of cord 35 extended from the retracting element. Thus, the lighter housing 40 will be kept in an extended position near the smoking material. This would allow a user to ignite the smoking material multiple times without the retracting element 30 engaging and retracting the lighter housing 40 back to the pipe attachment base 25. The user would not have to extend and retract the lighter housing 40 each time to ignite the smoking material during a smoking session.

In another embodiment, the user may attach a liner into the lighter opening 45 of the lighter housing 40 in order to change the type of lighter being secured.

In another embodiment, the user may also attach a second pipe attachment to the water pipe, both not show. Before the user attached the first pipe attachment the user would first slid the water pipe through the passage formed by the flexible band of the second pipe attachment. After the user was done with a smoking session, the user would secure the lighter housing 40 by hooking the attachment opening 44 or cord 35 with the hook of the second pipe attachment.

Other modifications, substitutions and equivalent may occur to persons of ordinary skill in the art and such modifications, substitution and equivalents are contemplated by the present disclosure and the invention as claimed herein. The applicant wishes to claim the entire invention as described herein, including all embodiments. The applicant does not wish to dedicate anything to the public. 

I claim:
 1. A lighter holder comprising: a pipe attachment, with a band, a base, and an opening; a retracting element located inside the base of the pipe attachment; and a lighter housing connected to the retracting element.
 2. The lighter holder of claim 1 further comprising a second pipe attachment.
 3. A lighter holder comprising: at least one pipe attachment, with a band and a base, where there is an opening located in the base; a retracting element located inside the pipe attachment comprising a housing with an opening, where the housing holds a coiled spring inside of an inner reel with a length of cord spooled around the inner reel, the cord is attached to a cap, and the cap has a hole in it; and a lighter housing with an attachment opening, bottom, and outer shell, that define a lighter opening, wherein the lighter housing is connected to the retracting element through a connector ring that passes through the attachment opening and cap hole.
 4. The lighter holder of claim 3 further comprising the lighter housing having at least one sidewall.
 5. The lighter holder of claim 3 wherein the band of the at least one pipe attachment is made of a silicone or rubber.
 6. The lighter holder of claim 3 wherein the band of the at least one pipe attachment is made of a fiber or fabric.
 7. The lighter holder of claim 6 further comprising one or more fabric fasteners.
 8. The lighter holder of claim 6 further comprising one or more metal or plastic fasteners.
 9. The lighter holder of claim 3 further comprising the retracting element having a lock.
 10. The lighter holder of claim 3 further comprising the lighter housing having one or more ribs.
 11. The lighter holder of claim 3 further comprising the lighter housing having a liner.
 12. The lighter holder of claim 3 further comprising the cap having a swivel.
 13. A lighter holder comprising: at least one pipe attachment, with a band and a base, where there is an opening located in the base; a retracting element located inside the pipe attachment comprising a housing with an opening where the housing holds a coiled spring inside of an inner reel with a length of cord spooled around the inner reel, the distal end of the cord is attached to a cap, the cap has a hole in it; a lighter housing with an attachment opening, bottom, and outer shell that define a lighter opening, wherein the lighter housing is connected to the retracting element through a connector ring that passes through the attachment opening and cap hole; and a second pipe attachment with a band a base and a hook, wherein the hook may secure the lighter housing by hooking the cord, connector ring, or the attachment opening.
 14. The lighter holder of claim 13 further comprising the lighter housing having at least one sidewall. 